Coventry vehicle demonstrates VLR potential
- Pinnacle Team
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
The Coventry City Council recently completed a successful trial run of an eye-catching Very Light Rail (VLR) urban transit system. This innovative project is rewriting the future of public transportation by overcoming the limitations of existing light rail systems. The trial, held at the National Innovation Centre of the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Organisation in Dudley, West Midlands, UK, carried about 50 invited guests along a 2.2 km test track. It captured the attention of the Transport Minister and local politicians, presenting new possibilities for urban transit.
One of the VLR system's biggest innovations is the development of a modular track that is much shallower than conventional light rail tracks. This track can be installed over existing buried utilities such as water, sewage, gas, power, and telecommunication cables, which has the potential to significantly reduce construction costs. The prototype vehicle, which travels at a top speed of 40 km/h, can accommodate up to 70 passengers and has a range of up to 70 km on a single charge. It is currently being manually operated, with plans to enhance operational efficiency with autonomous driving capabilities in the future.
Another notable technology in the vehicle is the patented design of its bogie, which is the first in the world to allow it to pass through 15-meter radius curves almost silently while minimizing wheel wear. This performance was proven last week after completing over 700 circuits.
The Coventry VLR project is attracting global attention, with significant interest from Canada, Thailand, and various towns and cities within the UK. The potential to connect with existing light rail networks makes this system even more appealing and suggests its applicability in diverse regions.
This innovative public transit system will play a key role in shaping the future of urban transportation. The construction of an 800-meter double-track pilot line, which is scheduled to begin in Coventry city center later this year, will be an exciting test bed for how the system works in a real urban environment. The project is also expected to offer attractive opportunities for private sector partners, with a potential transition to a commercial venture.
March 12, 2024
